Improvement in gate-fastenings



C. P. SNOW. GATE-FASTENING.

Eatented July 24,1877.

J VZtJzesss. M W- PATENT OEEro OHARLES'P. SNOW, OF FREEPORT, ILLINOIS.

IMPROVEMENT IN GATE-FASTENlNGS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 193,565, dated July 24, 1877 application filed January 30, 1877.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, CHARLES P. Snow, of Freeport, Stephenson county, State of Illinois, have invented an Improvement in Gate-Fastenings, of which the following is a full and correct description.

My invention consists principally in the arrangement of a-ring as a drop-catch, which is also adapted to looking with a padlock.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, A is the frame of the catch, a simple stud or bracket projecting laterally from the gate-post in the proper position, and fitted to fasten firmly to the post, having a slot or mortise, B, perpendicularly through it of suitable length, for the purpose hereafter indicated. A ring, 0, is suspended in the slot B by means of a pin or rivet, which is passed through the stud horizontally, and also through the ring. This pivot is placed at such a point that the ring, when suspended on it, will rest against the frame at the outer end of the stud A, and hang so low that its center will be a little below the under side of the stud A and leave an open space within and below the under side of the stud,through which the loop of a padlock may be inserted. D is a latch fastened rigidly to the gate in such a position that when the gate is opened or closed it passes just below the stud A and extends far enough beyond the edge of the gate to hold against the edge of the ring 0. When the gate is closed the latch strikes the outer and under side of the ring and raises it up and passes under it. The

ring then falls, by its own weight, in front of the latch and holds it fast. The latch D, being fastened rigidly to the gate and passing directly under the stud A, holds the gate from being lifted oif the hinges.

In operating the gate, the ring is raised with the hand and the latch released; but, in order to operate it from the inside of the door or gate, I use a lever, X, which extends from the inside of the door or gate as far as the center of the ring and then is turned at right angles. It passes under the upper side of the ring, and is suspended on a pivot or screw, so as to drop down on the outside of the gate. The inside end of this lever is pressed down like a thumb-piece in a common door-latch and raises the ring the same as if raised by the hand. A notch is made in the upper side of the stud A to receive the end of the lever and prevent raising the ring from its proper position when the gate is closed.

What I claim as new isl. A loose ring, when combined with a suitable bracket and latch, to serve as a gate or door fastening, substantially in the manner set forth.

2. The lever X, in combination with the ring 0, for the purpose of releasing the latch D, so as" to open the gate or door from the inside, substantially as set forth.

CHARLES P. SNOW.

In presence of OSCAR, TAYLOR, JOHN S. TAYLOR. 

